Free meningococcal B vaccines coming to the NT

The Northern Territory Government has confirmed the rollout of a free meningococcal B vaccine program from 1 January 2025 — a commitment that it took to the most recent election.

As noted by NT Minister for Health Steve Edgington, “The meningococcal B strain can be fatal and leave babies or adolescents who contract the disease with permanent and devastating disabilities.

“In the Territory, there have been 18 cases of meningococcal B in the last 10 years and three deaths in the last five years, while one in four Territorians who get meningococcal B will end up with a lifelong disability.”

Previously, meningococcal B vaccination was only available for free in the Territory under the National Immunisation Scheme for Aboriginal children, or those children with specific medical conditions that put them at risk of contracting meningococcal disease. From 2025, the vaccine will be free for all infants under the age of two, and adolescents aged 14 to 19 years. This means about 4200 babies and 18,500 adolescents will be eligible for the free vaccine.

“Territorians are currently paying around $200 per MenB vaccine, with babies under two requiring three doses and adolescents needing two doses,” said Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro.

“That’s $600 per baby and $400 per teenager, which majority of families simply can’t afford.

“Our free MenB Vaccination Program is part of the CLP’s plan to lower the cost of living for Territory families. It will remove financial barriers, increase vaccine uptake and provide protection against the deadly meningococcal disease.”

As part of the new vaccination program:

• Meningococcal B will be added to the baby immunisation schedule from January 2025, making it free for infants aged six weeks to 12 months;
• A free school-based meningococcal B program will start from January 2025 providing the vaccine to Year 9 students, aged 14–15 years old;
• A catch up vaccination program will be undertaken for children under two years and adolescents aged 15–19 years;
• Work will be undertaken to expand the meningococcal B program beyond GPs to include pharmacies, community immunisation clinics, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services.
   

NT Health will work with the Department of Education to progress and implement the school immunisation program, and work with pharmacies to expand access to the program beyond GPs.

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